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The annual Oktoberfest Hays celebration, a beloved tradition that honors the region’s rich Volga German heritage, is set to return with a full lineup of exciting activities on Friday, October 4, and Saturday, October 5.
Event organizers have officially released the schedule, offering a packed weekend of entertainment, contests, and cultural festivities for all ages.
This year’s Oktoberfest will be held at Municipal Park on Friday and Saturday, drawing thousands of attendees from the local area and beyond.
The event features a blend of traditional Volga German-inspired activities, live music, food, and competitions, providing two days of community-focused fun.
Friday, October 4th: Traditional Celebrations and Contests
The Oktoberfest festivities will kick off on Friday, October 4th from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., with an opening ceremony scheduled for 10:30 a.m. at Municipal Park.
The day will begin with the ceremonial Tapping of the Keg at 11:00 a.m., a highlight that draws onlookers eager to join in the first toast of the festival.
Attendees can test their strength and endurance with a variety of competitions, including the Stein Holding Contest at 2:00 p.m., followed by the Deutsch Hops Contest at 4:00 p.m., both open to participants aged 21 and over.
For food enthusiasts, the OktoberFEAST Contest will take place at 5:00 p.m., offering a chance to celebrate and savor the flavors of Oktoberfest.
Live entertainment will fill the park throughout the day, with performances from popular local bands, including the Ron Werth Band, Rice County Line, and Jimmy Dee and The Fabulous Destinations.
Visitors can also enjoy park-wide attractions such as the Beer Puppeteers, High Striker, and the traditional Mug Toss.
Friday’s festivities will wrap up at 7:00 p.m., closing out the first day of the celebration.
Saturday, October 5th: Family Fun and Homecoming Parade
Oktoberfest continues on Saturday, October 5th from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with a strong focus on family-friendly activities and entertainment.
The day will kick off with the FHSU Homecoming Parade at 11:00 a.m., followed by a special Oktoberfest welcome ceremony at 12:30 p.m.
Competitive spirits can join in on the Cornhole Tournament at 12:00 p.m., with the crowd-favorite World’s Largest Bierock Reveal at 1:30 p.m., sponsored by Lewis Toyota.
Other fun games and contests include the German Freeze Game at 2:00 p.m., the Pumpkin Pass at 3:00 p.m., and the Pumpkin Rolling Contest at 4:00 p.m. for children in the West Shelter House.
Live music and entertainment will continue to keep the energy high throughout the day, with performances by Galen Schmidtberger, Karl Meis, and Rice County Line. Kids will have plenty to do as well, with games and entertainment available from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., featuring the popular Jammin Randy show. Bounce houses will also be open for young festival-goers from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
“We are thrilled to bring this year's Oktoberfest Hays to life with a diverse schedule of activities that celebrate both our community and heritage,” said Emily Knowles, event coordinator for Oktoberfest Hays. “Our goal is to offer something for everyone, whether it's enjoying traditional German food, competing in the contests, or watching the live entertainment. It’s a chance for the community to come together, have fun, and honor our shared traditions.”
For more information about the event, including a detailed schedule of activities and vendor information, please visit the official Oktoberfest Hays website at oktoberfesthays.com.